PEX can be a viable alternative to more traditional materials for fire sprinklers.

Now that many jurisdictions across the country are mandating fire sprinkler systems in new-home construction, de-signers need to be aware of the requirements and challenges these systems can face in relation to water meters.

Concealed attic spaces combine some of the most difficult aspects of fire protection design and require carefully tailored fire sprinkler solutions for effectiveness.

Eighty-two percent of respondents use digital tools daily to help streamline training and development programs. The majority of respondents within this group recognize the diverse benefits that digital tools offer the skilled trades industry.

A product with a "Made in America" label is not necessarily made in the United States. It could be made in Canada or Mexico. Do you want products made in America or the USA?

The current U.S. workforce is comprised of four generations: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. But there’s one generation in particular that the skilled trades have their eyes on right now: Gen Z.

Every year during May, the International Code Council holds its Building Safety Month campaign to help raise awareness about the importance of building safety and educate the public on how to ensure their communities are resilient and sustainable.

The skilled trades industry is evolving as more Gen Z workers choose trades over college. Efforts to obtain certifications through learning modules and hands-on training are becoming integrated into daily work routines, helping tradespeople build long-lasting careers and enabling businesses to succeed.

Did you know that it only takes 30 seconds to create a deepfake? Deepfakes are AI-generated media that can be made using any device. They can be used to spread misinformation and harm a plumbing and mechanical company's reputation.

Let’s be honest. The trades are the inventors of 'remote work.' For decades, we’ve been dispatching remotely while technicians are awarded company vehicles to drive home each evening. They begin their mornings from the comfort of their own homes by receiving their work log for the day through walkie-talkie, text, email, slack, pager… remember those? Shoot, we’re awesome — others should take note!

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the world drastically changed as businesses shut down and employees moved to work-from-home settings. Once used mostly by the tech industry, video chat software companies such as Zoom, Go To Meeting and Microsoft Teams saw huge increases in demand as people began using these services for work, school and even to stay in touch with family members. Even doctor’s visits became virtual.

Several new ServiceTitan product updates and features powered by Titan Intelligence were also announced at Pantheon 2022

There’s nothing worse than coming home to find a burst pipe or malfunctioning water heater has flooded your basement. It’s perhaps why leak detection and prevention products continue to become more popular each year.

John Wallace, owner of Atlanta-based JM Wallace Plumbing, has been offering leak detection solutions since 2007, but it’s only recently during the last few years where he’s really seen the technology take off.

Scorpion's AI Chat incorporates industry- and business-specific knowledge into each chat response, creating a personalized experience for every new conversation. 

ServiceTitan made waves earlier this year when it announced new cutting-edge AI solutions, allowing its customers to automate, predict and optimize across their businesses during Pantheon 2023.

The partnership connects XOi’s technology with Powerhouse’s training and insights, ensuring field service professionals are equipped with the resources they need for the jobsite.

 Like the rest of the series, the new products are constructed with high-quality materials and designed for easy installation and maintenance, making them an ideal choice for busy commercial settings.

Gen-Ear LE can pinpoint water leaks in residential and commercial water lines – including problems in walls and under concrete slabs, swimming pools and hot tubs.

The new under sink crossover product combines the efficiency of an on-demand system, with the ease of installation of more conventional, timer-based pumps. 

The product qualifies for a 30% federal tax credit as well as stackable state and local rebates.

The arbor is built to withstand heavy use and deliver consistent performance, job after job and the pin drive system ensures a snug and secure fit.

Resideo announced the launch of the Resideo Home app, which will make whole-home monitoring possible for the four critical networks of the home – water, air, energy and security – during its Resideo Live event, held in Austin, Texas, this past December. 

MCAA’s spring meeting and conference schedule screeched to a halt this year, much like many other contractor organizations in the industry, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In August, Nexstar Network announced Julian Scadden would replace Jack Tester as president and CEO, effective Nov. 1. Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke recently chatted with Scadden about his background and leadership goals for the organization.

There is a changing of the guard (so to speak) every fall during PHCC’s annual conference and trade show.

Johnson Controls celebrated National Skilled Trades Day by confirming a second cohort of schools receiving funding as part of its Community College Partnership Program. Last year, Johnson Controls agreed to fund $15 million over the span of five years to help support the community college’s HVAC, fire, security and digital academic programs.

This month, PHCC — National Association President Joel Long, owner of Gastonia, North Carolina-based GSM Services, will pass the baton to Dave Frame, fourth-generation owner of Bob Frame Plumbing Services, South Bend, Indiana. Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had a chance to chat with Frame about what he hopes to accomplish during his term and the many opportunities for PHCC members over the next year.

This month, PHCC — National Association President to Dave Frame, owner of Bob Frame Plumbing Services, South Bend, Indiana will pass the torch Joe Cornetta, third-generation co-owner of Elmont, New York-based Cornetta Bros.

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke chatted with Dan Callies about taking over the national president gig, what he hopes to accomplish during his term, and the many opportunities for PHCC members over the next year.

The 2021 USHGC is scheduled to be published in early 2021.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more than half (51%) of the energy used in U.S. homes is directly spent on just two end uses, heating and air-conditioning. As such, producing a comfortable temperature within your living space creates one of the biggest carbon footprints of our modern living environment.

What does a looming housing shortage, a significant increase in energy prices and 52% of home buyers ready to heat and cool their homes with electricity have in common? They’re all remedied in the same way: All-geothermal residential developments.

A lot of things are out of your control when working on a job involving multiple trades. Whenever I design any type of system, I always go down a list of “what ifs.” The “what ifs” are scenarios that can affect the performance of a system due to an unknown. This includes actions by other trades.

There are multiple ways to dehumidify a space — mechanical, reheat and desiccant to name a few. The biggest issue has been that conventional air conditioning units are only 10% effective at removing humidity. Until now, standard de-humidification systems were expensive to purchase and install.

New technical assistance capacity will help the federal government lead by example in demonstrating benefits and potential of decarbonizing buildings with geothermal energy.

 While most plumbers may like to think that they’re mostly serving routine maintenance or installation customers, the most common nature of those calls is likely panicked customers with a burst pipe, a backed-up toilet or another emergency that needs a response ASAP.

In 2009 under President Barack Obama, the economic stimulus package of 2009 was signed into law. Egg Geo was a regional engineering and contracting company in the southeastern United States with robust business in our central Florida offices.

The publication is based on study, research and discussions from the Code Council’s membership, partners and industry experts.

Since 1926, IAPMO has protected the public’s health and safety through its codes and standards activities. 

David Gans, chief building official for the city of Oceanside, California, was elected IAPMO’s 61st president, and Steven Panelli, chief plumbing inspector for the city and county of San Francisco, was elected vice president.

The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) has a long history of providing useful information that is not offered by other model codes. 

Amid one of the most impactful pandemics this nation has ever faced, one lesson that continues to be compounded is public buildings need to be updated to provide citizens with a sense of security in order to encourage an economic recovery. 

Whether new or retrofit construction, parking structures and shipping and loading bays are often crucial to the viability and efficient use of residential, commercial, industrial and multi-use developments. 

I frequently speak at college campuses and trade apprenticeships. Whether it be to future engineers or contractors, my technical talks typically end up covering non-technical content, specifically career development. 

IAPMO has collaborated with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to produce an installation standard for solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems (ESS) in residential applications. 

To aid plumbers and tradespersons in staying competitive in the marketplace, innovative technologies and materials must be a priority when crafting and revising provisions within model codes and standards in order to enhance efficiency, positively impact affordability and provide ease of service for those implementing it.

As the creation of sustainable and resilient buildings becomes a greater priority, especially over the past year, one critical component will be to ensure our buildings are water efficient. 

Sigler is a well-known and highly respected technical expert in the industry with over 20 years of experience in construction, codes and engineering.